In a meeting chaired by Ahsan Iqbal, Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives (PDSI) and Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission, the Central Development Working Party (CDWP) has approved three major development projects in the energy sector. The total cost of these projects amounts to Rs. 58.857 billion. The meeting was attended by Awais Manzur Sumra, Secretary Planning; the Additional Secretary Planning; the Joint Chief Economist (Operations); members of the Planning Commission; and representatives from the Ministry of Energy and the Power Division. The first project presented in the meeting namely “Power Distribution Strengthening Project (SEPCO)” worth Rs. 9,014.360 million recommended to ECNEC for further consideration. The project is proposed to be financed through Asian Development Bank(ADB). The project envisages conversion of 4 No 66 kV Grid Station into 132 kV Grid Station, 50,000 No. of AMR meter will be installed on 3-phase meters having load more than 5 kW, installation of APMS on 1200 No. general duty DTs in SEPCO and bifurcation 40 No. feeders having load above 300 Amps and high technical & administration loss. The second project of Energy sector presented namely “Power Distribution Strengthening Project (LESCO)” worth Rs. 27,613.00 million recommended to ECNEC for further consideration. The project is proposed to be financed through ADB (Rs. 20,317 million) & LESCO Own Resources (Rs. 7,296 million). The project envisages of construction of 05 Nos new 132 kv grid stations ,04 Nos Aug/Extension of 132 kv grid stations, installation of 1600 Nos APMS, 1328 km AB cable and 131901 Nos AMI/AMR meters in LESCO which will improve electricity supply, operational efficiencies and modernize operations and management of the LESCO. The high losses add to the power sector circular debt, affects investments needed to ensure reliable supply of electricity and increases cost of electricity for the consumers. The third project of Energy sector presented in the meeting namely “Supply, Installation, Testing & Commissioning of Asset Performance Monitoring Systems (APMS) for 100kVA & 200kVA General Duty Distribution Transformers and deployment of AMI Meters in MEPCO” worth Rs. 22,229.810 million recommended to ECNEC for further consideration. The project is proposed to be financed through Asian Development Bank (ADB). The project envisages installation of 13,323 Nos APMS (Asset Performance Management System) and 150,000 Nos AMI (Advanced Metering Infrastructure) meters in MEPCO jurisdiction. The APMS system will establish real time access to 100 and 200 KVA Distribution Transformers (DTs) for improved visibility, close monitoring and preventive actions. Apart from APMS, Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) meters will allow two-way communication between utilities and consumers, enabling remote meter reading, real-time data monitoring, and proactive management of energy distribution. Following the approval, the CDWP has recommended these three projects to the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) for further consideration and final approval. The Deputy Chairman Planning Commission and Minister PDSI Ahsan Iqbal has directed the Power Division to review the scope of the projects on techno-economic feasibility basis in-consultation with all concerned experts as well as stakeholders. He further directed that an updated version, incorporating these reviews, may be resubmitted for consideration by the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC). The project was accorded in-principle approval for strengthening distribution network and for exploring financing by ADB by Economic Affairs Division (EAD). ?
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